American roots music legends Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas will perform at Smith Hokanson Memorial Hall of the Vinalhaven School Tuesday, Aug. 1, in a concert to benefit Partners in Island Education. This is the third in what organizers hope to be an annual celebration of music from far and wide that help support the Island community and school. The series was inaugurated in 2004 with the Holmes Brothers and last year the Cajun sounds of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys filled the island.
“The Vinalhaven-Louisiana connection is gearing up for a second time after our great concert last year with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys This year the passion and energy of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas will fill our community,” said Kris Davidson President of Partners in Island Education (PIE). “Their music is deeply rooted in community and about celebration and family–it’s only fitting that the proceeds of this concert will go to help us build a stronger island.”
Partners in Island Education (PIE) provides funding to the Vinalhaven School District for facilities and programs that support educational excellence in the community.
PIE is a private, nonprofit corporate organization consisting of seasonal and year-round community members. PIE spearheaded the capital campaign to develop the new school’s auditorium and improve its library facilities. It continues to raise monies for library books and new programmatic initiatives.
Nathan Williams plays zydeco, the fast and furious accordion-driven dance music of the Creole people of South Louisiana, a relatively modern style that emerged after World War II. With its trademark rub board percussion, electric guitars and R&B influences, zydeco is distinct from the fiddle-driven music of neighboring Cajuns.
General Admission will be $20 with special reserved seating available for “sponsors” at $50. Students of SAD 8 can purchase tickets for $10. Tickets are available through the Paper Store & Port of Call –both retail outlets on the island. For more information and for ticket availability outside of Vinalhaven call 207-863-9370.